🚌 Hello from the 14th edition of Cermonews!  👋🏻 From the outside, public transport often appears as nothing more than vehicles moving along scheduled routes. Yet behind this flow lies an intricate system where numerous variables must be coordinated simultaneously—from driver rest requirements and fair duty allocation to service continuity and regulatory constraints. Considering fluctuating daily demand, peak hours, break requirements and the physical limits of the fleet, designing a plan that is fair for drivers , operationally sustainable  and seamless for passengers  can no longer be accomplished with Excel spreadsheets alone. In this edition, we focus on a process that is often invisible but directly affects both employee well-being and service quality in the field: Roster Planning , known among planners as “kafa kâğıdı” . Throughout the newsletter, we will explore: What roster (shift) planning means in public transport How an effective roster changes both operational performance and driver experience Common issues encountered in shift planning And how Cermoni makes the entire process more transparent, fair and manageable As always, you will also find our Updates from Us  and Behind the Scenes  sections. We will also ask you a few questions to better understand how roster planning is approached in different cities. Enjoy the read! 🚌 🧩 What Is Roster Planning in Public Transport? Roster planning determines the days, hours and duties that each driver will perform. Conducted after timetable preparation and vehicle–driver assignment, this process brings together working hours, duty blocks, rest-break arrangements, standby driver needs and driver–vehicle pairings. Its main goal is to create a working structure that is compliant with labour regulations, fairly distributed and operationally viable. As a result, both the service flow and drivers’ schedules become structured, balanced and feasible. Public transport operators may use different roster types—fixed, rotating or split shifts—depending on organizational structure and route-specific demand characteristics. 🔍 What Should Be Considered in Roster Planning & What Does a Good Roster Change? The aim is to design a driver schedule that meets legal requirements, ensures fairness and supports operational continuity. Key considerations include: Compliance with working-time regulations:  Daily working hours, break intervals and weekly rest days must meet legal standards. Fair and balanced distribution:  Morning, evening and high-demand duties should be rotated fairly among drivers. Realistic break and turnaround times:  Rest breaks must reflect route length, traffic conditions and headways. Standby driver availability:  Operators must define sufficient flexibility for illness, leave or unexpected operational changes. Deadheading and layover optimization:  Reducing long layovers and unnecessary non-revenue movements increases operational feasibility. A well-designed roster: Balances driver workload Reduces delays and disruptions Ensures a more stable and predictable service throughout the day This strengthens both driver satisfaction and the passenger experience. ⚠️ Common Challenges in Public Transport Roster Planning Managing multiple constraints simultaneously can introduce several difficulties: Unrealistic duty planning:  Route characteristics or actual field conditions may be overlooked, making schedules hard to follow. Uneven workload distribution:  Inequitable assignment of peak or challenging duties can create dissatisfaction. Inadequate break planning:  Misaligned break times can disrupt both working conditions and service continuity. Insufficient standby planning:  Lack of flexibility for sudden absences increases disruption risk. Manual planning errors:  Spreadsheet-based processes often lead to inconsistencies and make it difficult to manage complex constraints. Over time, these issues can reduce driver satisfaction and service quality, underscoring the importance of keeping the roster regularly updated and optimized. 🚍 Roster Planning with Cermoni — Can Fairness, Break Management and Efficiency Coexist? Cermoni treats roster planning not merely as timetable creation but as an integral part of the entire public transport operation . Its purpose is to optimize schedules, vehicle allocation and driver duties holistically, creating a fair and sustainable working structure. In Cermoni, roster planning is the final step of the planning chain. After timetable and vehicle–driver matching are completed, the system generates the most balanced and feasible roster within defined constraints. Break times, duty allocations, duty transitions and standby requirements are evaluated together, ensuring: Balanced workload Predictable operations Fair and transparent task distribution With its optimization-based approach, Cermoni shifts roster planning from “who works when” to a framework centred on fairness, service continuity and efficiency. Balanced distribution of intensive duties, route-appropriate break scheduling and minimizing unnecessary waiting times are natural outcomes— improving both driver satisfaction and operational performance. Without such an integrated structure: Duty transitions would not align with the timetable Irregular waiting times and delays would increase Some drivers would be overloaded while others receive lighter duties Manual Excel-based processes would increase the risk of errors The result? A seamlessly managed roster where break times, duty distribution and work patterns are integrated; a fair and transparent structure for drivers; a more reliable experience for passengers; and a more sustainable operation for operators. 🎥 New Cermopedia Episode: What Is Roster Planning in Public Transport? In the latest Cermopedia episode, we explore: What roster planning is and why it is critical within operations How roster creation follows timetable and crew scheduling How break times and duty allocations are balanced When fixed, rotating or split shifts should be used Challenges in manual planning and benefits of digitalization In just 2.5 minutes, discover how one of the most essential yet invisible steps in public transport planning is shaped. 👉 Watch here Follow for more! 🎥📚 📰 News from Us 🚶‍♀️ We Attended Tomorrow.Mobility & Smart City Expo World Congress 2025! Tomorrow.Mobility and Smart City Expo World Congress 2025, held in Barcelona, once again brought together numerous stakeholders working to make cities safer, smarter and more sustainable. As Parabol, we actively participated both on stage and within the exhibition area throughout the event. 🎤 Our Marketing Director, Tuğçe Işık , delivered a presentation titled “Enhancing Road Safety for Vulnerable Road Users with Smart Analytics,”  sharing the impact we achieved for vulnerable road users in Konya and Sarajevo through the Safely project. She also took part in the BABLE Urban Shark Tank  session within the Urban Impact Lab, where she presented our insights on resilient and electric public transport systems in earthquake-affected cities. 📍 Throughout the event, we engaged with visitors at our booth in the Tomorrow.Mobility area, showcasing our data-driven public transport solutions and our road safety approach. We extend our gratitude to all stakeholders who visited our booth, attended our presentations, and contributed to the exchange of knowledge during the event. 🌍🙌 📍 Safely Road Safety Project Field Visit in Sarajevo As part of the Safely project, our on-site visit held on 11–12 November 2025 in Sarajevo was successfully completed. Over the course of two days, we examined the current mobility and road safety conditions and held extensive discussions with local stakeholders. 📍 During the visit: We attended presentations on Sarajevo’s road safety strategy and high-risk location analyses, Shared Parabol’s traffic safety analyses conducted in Sarajevo and the contributions of Konya Metropolitan Municipality, Conducted field inspections at high-accident-density locations identified through Safely, Observed sustainable mobility practices implemented in the city. The Safely project continues to advance road safety for vulnerable road users through close collaboration with all stakeholders. 🌍🤝 🚌 We Joined the “Smart Systems and Future Vision” Panel in Bursa We participated in the Smart Systems and Future Vision  panel organized by the Chamber of Survey and Cadastre Engineers (HKMO) Bursa Branch, where we presented our insights on the data-driven transformation of urban mobility. 🎤 During the panel, our Marketing Director Tuğçe Işık  delivered a comprehensive presentation titled “Decision-Support Systems in Mobility Management and Demand-Responsive Public Transport.”  She provided a broad perspective spanning İstanbul and İzmir’s SUMP (SKUP) studies and demand-responsive planning examples from Bursa. Throughout the event, we discussed how big data is used in mobility-related decision-making processes and evaluated how methods developed for traffic safety and multimodal mobility generate tangible impact in cities. We continue to contribute to the mobility vision of cities. 🚀 Behind the Scenes 🙌🏻 In each edition, we introduce you to the experts behind Parabol and bring you closer to the team contributing to the development of Cermoni. Our guest in this issue is Elif Karagümüş Göksu , our Urban Mobility Specialist , who analyzes on-the-ground needs in the planning projects we conduct with cities and helps shape accurate, data-driven solutions. " What I enjoy most in my role as an Urban Mobility Specialist at Parabol is witnessing Cermoni make a real impact in cities. Understanding how public transport routes operate, what drivers and passengers experience, and where cities struggle—and turning these observations into solutions through Cermoni—is both exciting and meaningful for me. Every day we work for a different city; in one place we relieve a congested route, in another we design a more equitable driver schedule, and in another we help shorten people’s travel times. Seeing that Cermoni truly works in the field, that it makes municipal teams’ jobs easier and contributes—directly or indirectly—to passengers is the most motivating part of my work. What I love most is feeling that what we do truly touches the city. I always feel like I’m out in the field: speaking with municipalities, operators and field teams, listening to their needs first-hand and transforming them into the right solutions within Cermoni. I believe a good public transport system is not just about numbers; small but effective touches that improve daily life matter enormously. And that is exactly where Cermoni’s strength comes from. Every project teaches me something new, and being able to say ‘yes, this really helped this city’ after each solution is incredibly fulfilling. Contributing to cities becoming smarter, more accessible and more organized—that is the best part of my job.” 🚍 What Would Better Roster Planning Change in Your City? Providing fair, sustainable and uninterrupted public transport requires not only timetable planning but also effective scheduling of driver duties, break times and task allocation. In this issue, we discussed what roster planning is, how it affects operational performance, and how Cermoni supports a more balanced and manageable structure. 👉 What do you think would change in your city if a more balanced and fair roster system were implemented? We welcome your observations, suggestions and challenges. You can also read this newsletter via the link and share it with anyone who may be interested. See you in the next edition! 👋 We always look forward to your feedback. 🙌 If you are interested in reading other editions of our newsletter;

🚌 Hello from the 13th issue of Cermonews ! 👋🏻 As we approach the final issues of 2025, we continue—now for the 13th time—with the same excitement and spirit of sharing to explore different topics in public transport. In this issue, we have an important yet enjoyable read for the end of your week: a growing need in public transport— Demand-Based Planning . Urban mobility needs are not static; they constantly change by hour, day, season, holidays, and events. Some routes experience heavy demand while others operate with lower utilization. These differences reveal our cities’ mobility needs and patterns. For the public transport authorities managing these systems, the key question is how to adapt to this shifting demand. That is precisely why planning must be flexible and demand-responsive. To provide service where, when, and at the frequency passengers truly need it, demand-based planning  takes center stage. In this issue, we unpack what “demand” means in public transport, how it can be measured, and how the resulting data can be integrated step-by-step into planning processes. We also address common misconceptions and share examples of how a demand-based approach can be implemented using the Cermoni  planning module. As always, you’ll find rich content in our “News from Us,” “Cermopedia,”  and “Behind the Scenes”  sections. ⚙️🚏 Enjoy the read! 🧩 What Is Demand-Based Planning? Effective public transport planning rests on real user demand in the field and enables efficient scheduling of services, vehicles, and drivers. Demand-based planning is a planning approach in which decisions on fleet size, vehicle type, and service frequency are taken in line with observed demand. The aim is to ensure sufficient capacity in peak times and locations while using resources more efficiently on lower-demand routes. This raises user satisfaction and optimizes operating costs. Demand-based planning is not merely “adding more trips.” It means delivering the right service at the right time, in the right place, at the right frequency.  This enables moving more passengers with the same fleet, reducing empty trips, and improving the passenger experience. 🧭 Demand Data: How Is It Measured and Used in Public Transport? Demand in public transport is measured by analyzing when, from where, and to where people travel throughout the day. Smart-card data, GPS traces, stop-level boarding records, and mobility data from mobile apps can all be used. For example, by examining when passengers tap in, which vehicles they board, and where they alight, cities can reveal mobility patterns. Using AI-based models, it becomes possible to identify which areas have higher demand at different times of day—allowing systems to be planned based on data-driven analysis  rather than assumptions. This demand information sits at the core  of transit planning. When we can answer “ Who travels, from where, when, and to where? ” accurately, every planning decision—route design, service frequency, departure times, and vehicle assignment—becomes more rational. In practice, services can be increased at peak times and redeployed to other routes during low-demand periods, improving resource use and reducing passenger waiting times. ⚠️ Common Misconceptions About Demand-Based Planning ❌ “Demand-based planning means adding more vehicles.” ➡️ Reality:  The opposite. The goal is to serve more passengers with optimal resources . It’s not “more trips always,” but “ trips at the right time .” Efficiency and passenger satisfaction can rise together. ❌ “High load factors mean demand is being met.” ➡️ Reality:  High load does not always equal good service. Peak-hour crowding is expected; consistently  high load at all hours often signals that services are not  planned flexibly enough in line with demand. ❌ “Demand-oriented systems only apply to DRT (Demand-Responsive Transit).” ➡️ Reality:  DRT is one  application, not the only one. Conventional fixed-route networks can also be improved using demand analysis. DRT is an outcome of demand-oriented thinking, not its sole pathway. 🚍 Demand-Based Planning with Cermoni | How to Raise Satisfaction While Reducing Costs Cermoni  is an intelligent decision-support solution that shapes public transport systems with demand data and treats planning as an end-to-end chain. The goal is not just to produce a timetable, but to optimize urban mobility across all components . In Cermoni, integrated analysis of multiple data sources generates demand insights that drive the entire chain: set route frequencies → schedule trips → assign vehicles → generate driver shifts. As a result, every link in the chain operates consistently, in balance, and as a whole. Cermoni’s optimization-based design produces the most efficient plan within defined constraints (e.g., fleet size, driver hours). This does not mean simply “more” or “fewer” trips—it means service in the right place at the right time . Satisfaction rises at peak times, and unnecessary costs are avoided during low-demand periods. This turns planning from an operational task into a strategic process . In a system shaped by passenger needs, resources are used more efficiently and service quality is consistently maintained. Without this integrated structure, departure times would be set without demand data, vehicles would run with mismatched capacity, and shifts would become inefficient. Some routes would run empty while others experience excessive crowding. Because Cermoni’s modules operate in concert, such imbalances are prevented. The outcome?  An optimized, sustainable, and passenger-friendly public transport system that is responsive to changing city demand. 🎥 New Cermopedia Episode: Demand-Based Public Transport Planning In the new episode of Cermopedia , we explain Demand-Based Public Transport Planning  in a clear and accessible way, answering: How is demand analyzed and forecast? How is demand data integrated into planning processes? What benefits does this approach bring to cities? Discover how data-driven decisions are shaped in planning— in about 2.5 minutes . 📈 Cermopedia continues to explain frequently used technical concepts in a way everyone can understand. Stay tuned for new episodes! 🎥📚 News from Us 📰 🚶‍♀️ At MARUF, we both discussed and walked for road safety! This year’s Marmara Urban Forum (MARUF25)  once again brought stakeholders together to make cities more accessible, safe, and sustainable. As a partner, Parabol took part both in the field and on stage. 📍 First, within the SAFELY  project, we organized a “Walking Workshop”  to observe pedestrian safety in the field. Together with participants, we mapped risky points along selected routes in Istanbul using our Mapalyse  app. Elif Çora  and Tuğçe Işık  from our team led the design and implementation. 🎤 In the session “Reaching Sustainability: Shared Experiences,”  our Marketing Director Tuğçe Işık  shared Parabol’s lessons from SKUP (SUMP) projects and road-safety work under the SAFELY Project—highlighting the value of data-driven mobility solutions through concrete examples and impacts. 📍 We Joined Konya’s SAFELY Road Safety Days under EIT UM Supported by EIT Urban Mobility , the SAFELY Project brought data-driven analyses into practice at the Road Safety Days  in Konya. Concrete measures to enhance pedestrian safety have begun in high-risk pilot areas identified in Konya and Sarajevo. 📍 During site visits in Konya, partners examined measures implemented at locations identified through SAFELY. Presentations covered intelligent transport systems, vulnerable road users, and safe route planning in urban areas. These activities showed how SAFELY’s analytical insights translate into real interventions—making safer, more accessible cities possible. 🔜 Next stop: Sarajevo!  Follow us for the next set of field implementations. Behind the Scenes 🙌🏻 In every issue, we introduce a teammate and the experts behind innovation in public transport. This time, meet Mert Uslu , our Customer Success Manager , who maintains direct contact with cities, solves questions quickly, and approaches each client with careful attention to improve the Cermoni user experience! 💼 “As Customer Success Manager at Parabol, I work to ensure that Cermoni users can employ the product effectively and efficiently with all its features. My goal is to guarantee a seamless, stable experience while helping users get maximum value. Understanding needs, solving issues rapidly, and conveying the product’s benefits accurately are central to my role. By closely tracking customer processes, I integrate Cermoni’s capabilities into daily operations through targeted guidance and training. In every interaction, I go beyond immediate fixes to support users’ long-term goals. I also build strong relationships, conveying needs and feedback clearly to our teams. Through training, usage analytics, and proactive communication, I help make Cermoni an indispensable tool for users.” 🚍 What Would Change with Demand-Based Planning? To build a more efficient, fair, and passenger-friendly transit system, we must ask the right questions: Where are passengers coming from and going to? At what times does demand rise on which routes? In this issue, we examined what demand-based planning is, how it is implemented, and how it supports decision-making. So, what do you  think would change in your city if demand-based planning were adopted? 📩 If you’d like to share your observations, suggestions, or the challenges you face in your city, we’re always here. We welcome your feedback. 🙌 See you in the next issue. 👋

Case Study Digital Transformation in Public Transport with Cermoni: Vehicle and Driver Assignment Optimization Overview Vignola is a small city located in the Modena region of Italy, with strong interactions with its surrounding areas. The city operates a public transport network that connects both urban bus routes and neighboring towns. Recently, the introduction of a 30 km/h speed limit  in Modena and surrounding areas also affected public transport operations. This regulatory change made it necessary to adapt schedules without compromising service quality, while at the same time achieving greater cost efficiency, operational effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. Challenges Complying with new regulatory requirements Reducing costs while maintaining service levels Increasing efficiency in vehicle and driver scheduling Minimizing environmental impacts But How? Within the scope of the project, which is also invested by EIT Urban Mobility (European Institute of Innovation and Technology Urban Mobility), Europe's largest mobility network, optimization studies have been initiated in Cermoni and Vignola. In particular, these studies address the proposal of timetables according to changes in demand on the relevant lines and the optimization of vehicle-driver assignment according to the relevant timetable. What is the purpose? In order to optimize the number of vehicles and drivers for the currently proposed timetable, the Municipality of Modena aims to use its resources more efficiently and provide a better service. The objective is to improve the public transport service with fewer vehicles and at lower cost, without compromising the quality of service, in compliance with new legal regulations and reducing environmental impact. Solution: Optimization with Cermoni Within the scope of the EIT Urban Mobility–backed project, Cermoni was implemented to optimize Vignola’s transport operations. Steps taken with Cermoni: Imported timetables of 13 bus routes into the system, Analyzed route length, vehicle type, and average travel time, Automatically optimized vehicle and driver assignments, Rescheduled services based on demand analysis. Better public transportation planning with fewer vehicles and drivers Results Achieved The implementation of Cermoni delivered significant improvements in Vignola’s public transport system: Vehicles reduced from 26 to 24 Drivers reduced from 31 to 28 Decrease in total kilometers driven and carbon emissions More efficient operational processes A more sustainable service model without compromising quality This planning process not only reduced the number of vehicles, but also the total mileage and carbon emissions. This minimized environmental impacts and improved service quality. Simultaneously, reducing the number of drivers made operational processes more efficient. These innovative approaches have paved the way for a more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly public transportation service in Vignola. Lessons Learned Dynamic planning  is essential for integrating new regulations such as speed limits. Data-driven decision support systems  strengthen the resilience of public transport planning. Efficient resource utilization  lowers both operational costs and environmental impacts. Even small cities  can benefit greatly from digital optimization solutions. Customer Testimonial Daniele Paolino, Modena Public Transport Agency: “The Cermoni Vehicle Assignment feature is easy and fast to use; it allows us to analyze vehicle usage and check the quality of our timetables. The same applies to the driver assignment tool; these features are essential to balance user needs with public costs. We chose a small city as a pilot area, and thanks to seamless communication with the Cermoni team, along with quick implementation of useful updates, the results have been very positive.” Voice of Customer: How Cermoni is Benefiting in Italy? 👉 Want to write the next success story together?

Welcome to the 12th edition of Cermonews! 👋🏻 👐🏻 When it comes to evaluating efficiency and service quality in public transport, one of the most critical indicators is  occupancy . If a vehicle runs under capacity, it means wasted resources; if it’s overcrowded, it results in loss of comfort—and sometimes even safety risks. But what exactly does occupancy mean? How is it measured? How can it be managed? In this edition, we explore the concept of occupancy from every angle, from data-driven measurement methods to strategies that optimize passenger loads. We’ll also share how we at Parabol work with occupancy data through Cermoni, and how we integrate it into planning processes. As always, you’ll also find our regular sections:  News from Us ,  Cermopedia , and  Behind the Scenes . 📊🚌 🎯 What is Occupancy and Why Does It Matter? A healthy and efficient public transport system relies on many operational metrics—and one of the most important is the  occupancy rate . Occupancy refers to the number of passengers in a vehicle at a given moment or over a specific time period. This figure can be measured in real time (e.g., passengers currently on board) or as an average over a time range (e.g., average passenger count between 07:00 and 09:00). On its own, the number is not meaningful—it gains value when compared to the vehicle’s capacity: 🧮 Occupancy Rate (%) = (Number of Passengers on Board / Vehicle Capacity) × 100 This indicator is a key measure of how efficiently a public transport system is operating. It is also directly tied to  service quality , which is defined by factors such as comfort, accessibility, and reliability. Occupancy is one of the main variables shaping the passenger experience. 📊  Typical occupancy ranges can be classified as: 0–40% →  Low occupancy, low efficiency 40–60% →  Acceptable level 60–80% →  Optimal balance: efficient and comfortable 80–100% →  High occupancy, decreasing comfort 100%+ →  Overcrowding, service crisis For most cities, the optimal service level falls within  60–80% occupancy . Going beyond this range compromises comfort and lowers passenger satisfaction. This is why occupancy is not just a number—it is a key metric that defines service quality. 📏 How is Occupancy Measured? And Why Measure It? Knowing how many passengers are on board a public transport vehicle is crucial for planning and improving the system. This information is not gathered through simple observation—it must be collected and processed using  data-driven methods . The core requirement for calculating occupancy is  boarding and alighting data . With these, it is possible to track how many passengers board and leave the vehicle at each stop—allowing us to monitor the number of passengers on board at any given moment. Passenger counts can be obtained through several technologies: 🎥  Onboard cameras with image processing  to detect the number of passengers in the vehicle 🚪  Platform or door sensors / turnstiles  to count boarding and alighting movements 💳  Smart card / ticketing systems , which provide detailed boarding data However, these methods have limitations. In most cities, alighting data is either not collected at all or is available only in a very limited form. This makes it challenging to accurately calculate occupancy. 🎯 So, what happens in that case? This is where  occupancy detection algorithms  come into play. Even with incomplete datasets, statistical modelling and data analysis techniques can estimate where passengers likely alighted. As a result, near-accurate occupancy values can be calculated despite missing data. 🔍  In short:  Measuring occupancy is not just about counting—it’s about interpreting the data. With the right estimation techniques, both real-time peaks and long-term patterns can be identified—laying the foundation for smarter, evidence-based public transport planning. 📊 We Measured the Data… Now What? Occupancy data is a powerful tool for understanding how a city’s public transport network is performing. But its true value lies not only in showing the current state—it becomes essential when it serves as the foundation for decisions that make the system more efficient and balanced. Here’s what can be done with occupancy data: 🚍 Analyse service levels:  Some routes may operate far below capacity, while others may be heavily overloaded. In the morning peak, a certain route may run at maximum capacity on every trip At midday, the same route might operate at half capacity Identifying these variations allows operators to add extra trips during peak times and reduce services during off-peak hours.  ⚖ Balance resource use: Underloaded vehicles → wasted fuel, maintenance, and staff time Overcrowded vehicles → passenger dissatisfaction and safety risks  Occupancy data reveals these imbalances, enabling targeted adjustments to restore balance. 📍 Understand urban mobility patterns:  This data helps build a broader picture of the city’s travel behaviour: Which stops see the most traffic at specific times of day Which routes are most preferred at which hours  These insights are evidence-based, allowing for precise and measurable answers. 🧠 Support intuition with data:  Public transport staff and local residents may have a sense of these trends, but: Intuition can’t be measured It can’t be compared objectively It doesn’t form a solid base for planning Data-backed analysis ensures that optimisation is based on reality, not guesswork—helping to plan not only for today but also for the future. 🧠 How We Manage Occupancy with Cermoni Within Cermoni, we’ve developed an  occupancy detection algorithm  that uses  boarding data —the smart card validation records from public transport vehicles—to estimate passenger loads. With this algorithm, we can calculate the  hourly peak occupancy  for each route and direction. This allows us to predict exactly when, where, and in which direction passenger volumes will be highest during the day. This information plays a  critical role  in optimising service timetables. For example: In the mornings, routes heading toward the city centre may reach their highest occupancy levels In the evenings, the same pattern often occurs in the reverse direction By aligning vehicle allocation and trip frequency with these patterns, we can: Increase passenger comfort during peak demand Avoid unnecessary capacity use during off-peak periods And we don’t stop there. We also perform  date-based analyses  to capture special circumstances, such as: Increased demand on routes to shopping districts before public holidays 📌 Seasonal shifts in demand toward coastal areas during summer months These insights allow us to design a more efficient, higher-quality system  right from the start of the planning phase . Timetable optimisation directly influences vehicle and driver assignments, which in turn impacts driver schedules, shift durations, and duty rosters. 🔁  The result:  When this chain of decisions is put into action in the field, it becomes possible to balance both passenger satisfaction and resource efficiency. 📰 News from Us 📢 Renewable Energy in Public Transport – Featured in Cermotalks In the latest episode of our Cermotalks series, we focused on the relationship between   renewable energy   and public transport. 💨⚡ With the participation of   Mehmet Akif Erdoğan , Deputy General Manager of Kayseri Ulaşım A.Ş., the session explored   the Kayseri Model —Turkey’s first public transport system powered by wind energy—along with its approach to   energy efficiency ,   electric bus fleet operations , and   sustainability initiatives . 🎙 We extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Mehmet Akif Erdoğan for his valuable contributions. ⚡ High-Performance Computing in Public Transport Data Processing – at METU Our teammate  Egemen Can Ökten  recently delivered a presentation at the  EUMaster4HPC Summer School 2025 , hosted by Middle East Technical University (METU). 👏 📌 In his talk,  “High-Performance Mobility Analysis with HPC: Parabol & TRUBA Case Study” , he discussed the role of  High-Performance Computing (HPC)  in processing large-scale public transport datasets. 🚍 The presentation showcased: Our decision support platform,  Cermoni Our Spark-based data processing infrastructure Scalable analysis methods powered by the  TRUBA supercomputer 🔍 This approach enables public institutions to produce faster, scalable, and data-driven solutions in transport planning and analysis. We thank the EUMaster4HPC team for organising the event and METU for hosting us! 🙌🏻 Behind the Scenes In every edition, we introduce you to one of our team members—bringing you closer to the people behind innovative work in public transport. In this issue, meet  Tuğçe Işık , our Marketing Director, who leads Cermoni’s marketing efforts and plays an active role in connecting our public transport solutions with cities. "Over my 8+ years at Parabol, I’ve come to see Cermoni as one of the most tangible examples of the impact we create. Understanding the challenges faced in public transport, delivering data-driven solutions, and contributing to making it the first choice for urban mobility through digitalisation is something I deeply value. As Marketing Director, my greatest motivation is engaging with the people who work in this sector—understanding their needs and addressing them with the solutions we’ve developed. To me, Cermoni is no longer just a product; it has evolved into an ecosystem. Together with our users, partners, the content we produce, the international projects we bring, and our strong network connections (EIT UM, UITP, and more), we are building and growing a vibrant community every single day." 🚍 Some buses are packed—so why are others still running empty? In your city, do public transport vehicles sometimes run over capacity while others operate nearly empty? It’s possible to manage occupancy rates using  data-driven planning . Would you like to see a system where services are scheduled more evenly? We believe this is a question worth exploring together.  Contact us  to start the conversation. 🎯 As Cermonews readers, we’d love to hear your observations, needs, or inspiring practices from the field. Thank you in advance for sharing! 🙌 You can also read this newsletter online via the link and share it with anyone who might find it useful. See you in the next edition. 👋

Today, in the digital transformation of public transport systems, a widely mentioned term stands out: GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification) . But do we really know what GTFS is? More importantly, do we actually have it ? What is GTFS? GTFS is an open, standardized data format that enables the digital representation of a city's public transport system. It includes stops, routes, timetables, service calendars and more. This structure makes it possible to display accurate information on digital maps and transport apps. GTFS is made up of two components: GTFS Schedule : Static data such as routes, stops, and times. GTFS Realtime : Dynamic data like vehicle positions, delays, and alerts. So, Do You Really Have GTFS? Many agencies consider their transport data to be “in GTFS format.” However, simply having a few CSV files doesn’t mean you truly have GTFS . To have a valid and functional GTFS dataset, the following must be ensured: All core files (routes.txt, trips.txt, stop_times.txt, etc.) must be correctly and consistently structured. The data must reflect both geographic and calendar accuracy for the service area. A logical chain must exist between routes, stops, and schedules. The dataset should be validated and tested in real-world use cases. Without these, even “GTFS-like” files will fail to deliver proper integration and functionality across systems. What Does GTFS Enable? For passengers : Real-time and accurate information on where and when to catch a bus, transfer options, and route planning. For agencies : A foundation for service planning, schedule optimization, and load analysis. For systems : Standardization supports easier integration, reduces custom development effort, and promotes an open ecosystem. Without GTFS, each organization would manage its data in its own way—slowing down collaboration, limiting analytics, and hindering public access to reliable information. GTFS with Cermoni: More Than Format, A Functional Upgrade At Cermoni, GTFS conversion isn’t just about producing a file—it’s about making public transport data useful and sustainable . Our process includes: Reviewing and structuring fragmented or inconsistent datasets. Identifying and correcting issues like route mismatches or missing timetables. Ensuring each GTFS package is validated and integration-ready. We also prepare data with future use in mind—so it’s compatible with upcoming planning tools and requires no rework. Common Misconceptions About GTFS “If we merge stop times and route geometries, that’s GTFS.”❌ Not really. GTFS is a standard, not just a format. “Each agency can create its own GTFS.”❌ GTFS is a universal standard, not customizable per institution. “It’s a technical task.”❌ GTFS is also about transportation logic—errors in route structures or missing service calendars make the data functionally unusable. Final Thoughts: GTFS Is Not Just a Format, But a Foundation Converting your public transport data into GTFS isn’t just a digital box to tick—it’s a key step toward scalable, integrated, and citizen-focused mobility systems. 📬 Want to discuss your GTFS transformation journey? Let’s talk

Hello 👐🏻 We’re back with the 11th issue of Cermonews! In this issue, how about we talk about demand-responsive, data-driven, and user-centric DRT systems? 🚌✨ When it comes to public transport, fixed routes and stop-based services usually come to mind. But what happens when mobility needs don’t fit into these patterns? In this issue, we’re taking you beyond fixed routes and introducing you to flexible mobility solutions. We explain: What DRT systems are, In which regions and why they have become necessary, And how they actually work in practice. As Parabol, we also share our contribution in this field and our experience in planning processes. With this newsletter and all our content, our goal is to continue creating valuable resources for the sector by delivering mobility knowledge in a clear and simple way. And as always, our “News from Us”, “Cermopedia” and “Meet the Team” sections are also featured. Enjoy the read! 🎉 What is DRT (Demand Responsive Transport)? DRT, or Demand Responsive Transport Systems, is a flexible mobility approach shaped by passenger requests, differing from conventional fixed-route public transport systems. These systems provide effective solutions especially in areas or time slots with irregular and unpredictable demand. The main goal of DRT is to gather real-time or predictable demands and make fast, efficient, and user-focused transportation decisions. DRT systems are generally classified into three types based on flexibility: Fully flexible systems:  Route and time are entirely determined by demand. For example, vehicles summoned instantly via a mobile app fall under this model. Semi-flexible systems:  There is a main route, but vehicles can deviate to stops as demand arises. This is common in rural areas with on-demand bus services. Low-flexibility systems:  The route is fixed, but stopping at certain points depends on demand. This model is often preferred during off-peak hours. The strongest aspect of DRT is its ability to respond flexibly to user needs and enable more efficient use of resources. DRT offers an effective alternative in areas that cannot be served by fixed routes, combining flexibility with resource efficiency. DRT: Where, When, and Why Is It Needed? DRT is a transport system planned based on the demands passengers report in advance. The passenger specifies where, at what time they want to board, and where they’ll get off. The system analyzes the collected requests to plan the most suitable routes and times for passengers. The service is provided within the indicated time window. This makes the transportation service more personalized, efficient, and planned. 📍 Public transport demand is generally evaluated under four categories: Regular Demand:  Recurring mobility needs (e.g., commuting to work every morning). Irregular Demand:  Random or infrequent mobility needs. Realized Demand:  Mobility needs met by public transportation. Potential Demand:  Situations where there is a need but, due to lack of service, alternative methods are used (e.g., taking a taxi to the hospital). 📍 For example, a student taking the bus to school every day represents regular and realized demand; whereas a person who has to take a taxi to the hospital due to no public transport represents irregular and potential demand. DRT systems aim to address such unmet mobility needs. An example of this approach is Dial-a-Ride  systems. Passengers place their requests via a call center or mobile app. The vehicle picks them up at the specified time and drops them off at their destination. This system provides independent mobility especially for elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or those with limited mobility. How Does Parabol Contribute to DRT Planning? Approach and Implementation Process Our DRT approach offers an effective alternative particularly for lines serving areas far from city centers (districts, villages, etc.). In these regions, transportation demands are often irregular and unpredictable, making traditional fixed-route systems ineffective. Long-distance routes, low passenger numbers at certain hours, and peaks at others, along with imbalanced occupancy rates, increase costs and reduce system efficiency. At this point, we offer a semi-flexible DRT  approach. In this model, the route and stops remain fixed, but departure times are planned flexibly based on passenger requests . The system collects trip requests within a certain planning period and provides service close to the requested time for each passenger. The planning process is structured to consider both current demand and future reservations . This way: Vehicles are used more efficiently , Unnecessary gaps  in service are eliminated, The system can respond flexibly to newly emerging demands. The core objective of DRT systems is to make transport services more planned, accessible, and efficient . Our approach supports this goal by reducing unnecessary trips , optimizing resource use , and offering a service model shaped by demand. News from Us 📰 We were at UITP Global Summit 2025 in Hamburg! 🚆🌍 🙌 We attended the world’s largest public transportation event, the UITP Global Summit held in Hamburg. We introduced our public transport decision-support system, Cermoni , at our booth and also showcased it in a live demo as part of the Innovation Guided Tour. 🎤 Additionally, our Marketing Director Tuğçe Işık gave a presentation on scenario-based public transport planning. We thank all booth visitors, everyone who attended our presentation, and all who interacted with us during the event. Together, we’re working towards a more accessible and sustainable future in public transport! 🚍 🌱 We Gave a Road Safety Training at TU Berlin as Part of Our Safely Project Supported by EIT UM 🚦 🌍 From June 18–20, we took part in the “Road Safety in the Digital Age” professional training program held in Berlin, as part of the Safely Project  supported by EIT Urban Mobility. Throughout the event, we discussed how data use, digital tools, and systematic approaches contribute to traffic safety. 🎙 Baran, Emre, and Tuğçe shared insights from the Safely platform, international use cases, and our tech-driven solutions in various sessions. We continue to co-create ideas for safer cities with participants from different countries. 🚸💡 We Were in Istanbul for the Horizon DUT Project Meeting on 15-Minute City Models! 🏙️🤝 As part of the FORTHCOMING  project supported by the Horizon DUT call, we gathered in Istanbul with 19 stakeholders from 7 countries to discuss the 15-minute city models we are testing across 6 European Urban Living Labs. At the event, we evaluated ongoing work within the framework of Urban Living Labs , where solutions are developed in real-life urban settings with users. As Parabol, our role in the project includes conducting big data-based mobility analyses  for implementing 15-minute city concepts in rural areas, along with quality controls for reliable risk assessments and outcomes. 🌍💡 We Attended the SKUP Türkiye Closing Event! 🚍📍 We joined valuable mobility ecosystem stakeholders at the International Urban Mobility Conference  and SKUP Türkiye closing event  held in Ankara. As Parabol, we’re proud of our contributions to promoting sustainable, data-driven, and innovative mobility planning  in cities and building institutional capacity through the SKUP Türkiye project. At the event, our partner and Sales Director Emre Er shared our experiences from Eskişehir, Konya, İzmir, and İstanbul SKUP projects, discussing the transition from data collection to decision-support systems and the challenges faced. 📊🧭 This important gathering continues to support our goal of developing more sustainable and effective transport solutions for Turkish cities. 🎥 New Episode of Cermopedia: Demand Responsive Transport Systems We all know the terminology—but are we using them in the same way? In our Cermopedia  series where we explain public transport concepts in simple terms, this time we explore Demand Responsive Transport Systems (DRT) . 🚐 In our new video, we answer key questions about the principles and use cases of DRT systems, and explain how they differ from traditional public transport. 👉 To watch: Click here Cermopedia continues to explain technical topics in the field in an accessible way for everyone. Stay tuned for new episodes! 🎬📚 Meet the Team 🙌🏻 In each issue, we introduce you to a team member and the experts behind our innovative work in public transport. In this issue, meet our Digital Marketing Assistant Beyza Selim , who plays an active role in bringing our public transport solutions to cities! 🚍 " “As a Digital Marketing Assistant at Parabol, I experience firsthand how Cermoni offers practical and innovative solutions to real needs in public transport. My goal is to ensure these solutions appear on the screens of all stakeholders, from field to office, with the right message at the right time. Understanding the challenges professionals face in planning processes, thinking from their perspective, and clearly communicating Cermoni’s solutions through digital channels fuels my motivation. Knowing that every step I take contributes to a more efficient, planned, and trackable public transport system makes my job even more meaningful—because Cermoni is shaping not only today, but also the future of sustainable urban mobility.” As Cermonews readers, would you like to share your needs, questions, or inspiring implementations with us? Your contributions are highly valuable. Thank you in advance! 🙏 Don’t forget to visit our website to learn more about Cermoni! You can access it by clicking here. See you in the next issue. 👋

📢 The sixth episode of Cermopedia  is now live! 🎥 In our content series where we explain key concepts in public transportation in a simple and clear way, this new episode dives into the topic of Clean Energy in Public Transport . 🚍 What does clean energy really mean? ⚡ What are the advantages of electric buses? 💸 How can it benefit operators economically? 🏙️ How does it support cities in reaching their climate goals? In short: Why is energy choice so critical  for cleaner air, more sustainable cities, and smarter public transport systems? 🔍 Stay tuned for more episodes of Cermopedia , where we break down complex topics in public transportation in an accessible and engaging way!

In public transport planning, one term often heard—yet not always clearly understood—is "assignment" . Originating from Turkish operational terminology, zimmet refers to a form of systematic assignment  at the planning level. But what does it really mean, and why is it important? 1. Driver-Vehicle Assignment This refers to assigning a specific driver to a specific vehicle on a regular, ongoing basis.For example: Driver Ali is scheduled to operate the same bus (e.g., license plate 34 BPK 456) every morning. As long as this pairing is consistent, Ali is assigned to that vehicle . This structure builds familiarity, increases responsibility, and can simplify maintenance follow-ups. However, it’s important to note that if a driver is occasionally assigned to a different vehicle due to absence or emergencies, this doesn’t break the system—zimmet is a planning tool , not a rigid rule. 2. Route Assignment This refers to consistently assigning a driver or a vehicle to a specific route.Examples: A driver always works on the “34A” route and becomes familiar with that area. A vehicle is scheduled daily on the same line, making it route-assigned. This supports knowledge retention, customer interaction consistency, and smoother daily operations on familiar terrain. Why Does Assignment Matter? While zimmet doesn’t always reflect what happens on the ground due to day-to-day changes, it plays a crucial role in planning and performance analysis , including: Efficiency monitoring:  Easier to track service performance with consistent assignments Maintenance & vehicle tracking:  Assigned drivers often help maintain better vehicle condition Cost and resource planning:  Stable assignments support optimized shift and route planning Workforce management:  Helps drivers build expertise on specific lines or vehicles Importantly, zimmet is a planning concept . Operational flexibility—such as substitutions in urgent cases—is expected and acceptable. 🔍 Ready to digitize your planning process and manage vehicle-driver assignments efficiently? Discover how Cermoni can help. 👉

As cities grow and travel patterns become more dynamic, traditional fixed-route transit systems often fall short of meeting modern mobility needs. That’s where Demand Responsive Transport (DRT)  comes in—offering flexible, adaptive solutions to address variability in public transport demand. What Is DRT? DRT refers to transit systems that adjust routes and schedules based on actual passenger demand rather than fixed timetables. It is especially useful in: Low-density or rural areas Off-peak hours Regions with unpredictable demand By responding to real-time or observed demand, DRT enables operators to deliver more efficient and tailored services while minimizing resource waste. Types of DRT Systems DRT systems are generally categorized based on their level of flexibility: 1. Fully Flexible Systems Vehicles are dispatched entirely based on passenger requests. These services typically operate through mobile apps or call centers, allowing real-time bookings—similar to on-demand minibuses or shuttles. 2. Semi-Flexible Systems These operate on a predefined route but can deviate slightly or skip/add stops depending on demand. Common in rural areas, this model balances reliability and adaptability. 3. Low-Flexibility Systems Routes are mostly fixed, but stopping at certain locations is demand-dependent. Often used during evenings or low-demand periods to reduce unnecessary stops. Why It Matters DRT systems offer cities a smarter way to serve passengers where and when they are needed, without compromising operational efficiency. They: Increase service coverage Improve cost-effectiveness Enhance user satisfaction 🚀 Ready to explore flexible transit for your city? Manage DRT planning with Cermoni’s smart mobility tools. 👉

Public transport operators face growing pressure to optimize resources while delivering high-quality service. Demand Responsive Transport (DRT)  offers a solution: delivering the right service at the right time—based on actual demand. 1. Smarter Vehicle Usage In traditional systems, buses often run with low occupancy during certain hours or routes. DRT helps reduce this inefficiency by: Eliminating unnecessary trips Activating services only when needed Making better use of the vehicle fleet Result: fewer vehicles, better utilization, and less fuel consumption. 2. Dynamic Scheduling & Driver Planning DRT allows operators to schedule trips based on actual passenger needs, which leads to: More flexible shift planning Reduced idle time for vehicles and drivers Better alignment with real-world demand patterns Especially in low-demand hours or variable regions, this approach avoids over-servicing and underutilization. 3. Cost Optimization Across Operations in DRT By minimizing resource waste, DRT improves overall cost efficiency: Reduces fuel and maintenance expenses Decreases labor costs through optimized shifts Lowers subsidy requirements for underutilized routes DRT empowers cities and operators to do more with less—while improving service quality for users. 📊 Want to cut costs and boost efficiency? Go digital with DRT planning powered by Cermoni. 👉 [Contact Us]

📢 The fifth episode of Cermopedia  is now live! 🎥 In this new episode of our content series, where we explain public transport concepts in a simple and clear way, we focus on the question: “What is Demand Responsive Transport (DRT)?” 📍 How is DRT different from other transport systems? 🚐 Where is DRT used? 🕓 What is the main purpose of DRT? 💡 And what are the key features of such systems? You can find the answers to all these questions and more in our short video! Stay tuned for upcoming episodes of Cermopedia , where we continue to break down complex public transport topics into accessible insights!

As Parabol , we were thrilled to be part of UITP Summit 2025 , one of the world’s largest gatherings for public transport professionals. Over the course of three exciting days in Hamburg, we showcased our platform Cermoni , engaged in insightful discussions, and explored the future of sustainable mobility. Day 1 – Kicking Off at Stand A337 We opened our stand at Hall 3 – Stand A337 , welcoming visitors to explore how Cermoni  supports public transport organizations with data-driven planning, operational optimization, and decision-making. It was a great start to connect with professionals from around the world. Day 2 – Parabol in Innovation Tour & Digital Twin On the second day, we had the opportunity to present our digital twin solutions  during the Innovation Guided Tour , attracting great interest from attendees. We also had the pleasure of welcoming our EIT project partners from TU Berlin and Konya Metropolitan Municipality  to our stand, strengthening collaboration and idea exchange. Day 3 – Cermoni On Stage and Beyond The final day was marked by a keynote from our Marketing Director, Tuğçe Işık , on “Scenario-based, Data-driven Public Transport Planning & Optimization” . We also had valuable conversations with partners and stakeholders from the global UITP network. UITP Summit 2025  was an inspiring event where we had the chance to connect, collaborate, and contribute to smarter mobility solutions.  See you at the next event! 👉 Want to learn more about Cermoni? Get in touch with us!